Articles tagged with Mars
A joint research team has reported the discovery of buried palaeo-polygonal terrain beneath Utopia Planitia on Mars using the Zhurong rover's radar. This finding suggests that ancient Mars experienced a cold polar region and significant climate changes.
Researchers find complex microbial communities forming giant mounds of rock in a harsh desert environment, resembling ancient stromatolites. The discovery provides an unprecedented look at the earliest stages of life on Earth and may hold clues about life on Mars.
A team of scientists has developed an AI chemist that can synthesize an oxygen-producing catalyst from Martian meteorites, enabling long-term survival on the planet. The breakthrough technology could establish an 'oxygen factory' on Mars, producing sufficient oxygen for human survival with minimal solar irradiation.
A team of researchers at the University of Liège has observed a glow in the night sky over Mars using the UVIS-NOMAD instrument on board the Trace Gas Orbiter satellite. This detection provides new insights into the Martian upper atmosphere and its variations throughout the year.
Researchers used seismic data to locate and identify a thin layer of molten silicates overlying Mars' metallic core. The discovery reveals a denser and smaller Martian core, aligning with other geophysical data and analysis of Martian meteorites. This finding provides new insights into how Mars formed, evolved, and became a barren planet.
Scientists discovered a molten silicate layer beneath the Martian mantle using InSight mission data, contradicting earlier assumptions about the planet's internal structure. This new finding suggests that Mars experienced an early magma ocean stage and provides insights into the formation of its core.
Researchers at ETH Zurich analyze Mars' seismic data and computer simulations to determine the planet's interior structure. They discover a layer of liquid silicate (magma) about 150 km thick between the core and mantle, contradicting initial estimates of the Martian core's density.
The Curiosity rover has found new evidence of ancient Martian rivers, suggesting that much of the planet's craters could have been habitable. The discovery provides a more optimistic view of ancient life on Mars, with potential for widespread river activity and nutrient cycles.
An international team of scientists has discovered that the largest ever Martian quake was caused by immense tectonic forces within Mars' crust, contrary to initial suspicions of a meteorite impact. This groundbreaking study, led by the University of Oxford, reveals that Mars is more seismically active than previously thought.
A novel method of analyzing Mars' gravitational force confirms the presence of an extensive northern ocean, providing new insights into the planet's history. The approach differs from traditional methods and can be applied to various disciplines such as geology and hydrology.
Researchers investigate impact of different geometric porosities on aerodynamics of supersonic parachutes. The study reveals that porosity structures have little effect on flow field mode and pressure distribution, but affect drag performance, with single-seam models showing better stability.
Scientists proposed an adapted Mars ISRU system to produce oxygen for ascent propellants and life support. The system's performance was modeled with various control options, optimizing cell voltage and flow rate while minimizing carbon formation risks.
A team of scientists discovered evidence for sustained wet-dry cycling on early Mars, essential for prebiotic chemical evolution and the emergence of life. The findings suggest that ancient Martian mudstones may have hosted conditions conducive to complex organic molecule formation and pre-biotic chemistry.
A research team discovered deposits of salts forming a hexagonal pattern in Martian sedimentary layers, indicating a regular climate with dry and wet seasons. This environment is thought to provide ideal conditions for the formation of complex organic compounds essential for life.
New research suggests that early Mars experienced high-frequency wet-dry cycling in the Gale Crater, pointing to possible seasonal weather patterns or flash floods. The findings could mean that Mars once had an Earth-like wet climate and may have supported life at some point.
Researchers studied 21 lowland meandering rivers on Earth and ancient Martian riverbeds to understand how climate change impacts river sinuosity. The study found that variable-sinuosity rivers continue changing, while constant-sinuosity rivers reach a steady state.
Researchers at Stanford University have discovered a way to interpret the meaning of dune patterns, which can be used to understand environmental changes on planetary bodies such as Mars, Venus, and Titan. The study found that high interaction density between dunes signals recent or local changes in boundary conditions.
A Purdue University experiment is investigating how reduced gravity affects boiling and condensation, crucial for long-term space habitats. The research aims to provide data needed to answer decades-old questions about these phenomena in weightlessness.
The giant Olympus Mons volcano on Mars has morphological similarities with many active volcanic islands on Earth, indicating contact between liquid water and lava. A vast ocean of liquid water once occupied the Red Planet's northern lowlands, according to recent work published in Earth and Planetary Science Letters.
A new study reveals evidence of diverse organic material on Mars, with signals consistent with molecules linked to aqueous processes. The findings suggest the existence of several distinct reservoirs of potential organic compounds, which may have persisted on Mars for a far more extended period than previously thought.
Researchers have developed a new method to estimate river flow rates on Mars and Titan, utilizing satellite observations and mathematical equations. The technique allows for predictions of river flow times, sediment size, and potential support for life, shedding light on these celestial bodies' geological pasts.
Researchers found a major shift in Martian climate about 400,000 years ago, coinciding with the end of the last glacial period. The prevailing wind direction changed from northeast to northwest, eroding crescent-shaped dunes into longitudinal ridges.
An international group of experts has developed a planetary protection policy to safeguard Earth from potential threats and avoid compromising the search for lifeforms on other celestial bodies. The policy aims to prevent biological and organic contamination of space missions, ensuring the safety of our planet.
A new study led by Brown University researchers reveals that Martian gullies could have been formed by on-and-off periods of meltwater from ice on and beneath the planet's surface. The study found that when Mars tilts on its axis to 35 degrees, conditions become dense enough for brief episodes of melting to occur.
The Zhurong rover's first 1-km traverse revealed extremely weak magnetic fields on the Martian surface, contradicting previous orbital measurements. This finding suggests that either the crust remained unmagnetized or was demagnetized by a massive impact, providing new insights into early Mars' magnetic, climatic, and interior history.
Researchers develop artificial photosynthesis devices to convert sunlight into oxygen, potentially supplementing space travel with sustainable energy. These devices mimic plants' natural process, recycling carbon dioxide and producing oxygen using only sunlight.
Researchers verified the 'Trap-Release-Amplify' (TaRA) model by reproducing Martian whistler-mode chorus waves using data from the MAVEN mission. The study found that both Mars and Earth exhibit similar frequency sweeping phenomena triggered by nonlinear processes and background magnetic field inhomogeneity.
Researchers at the University of Birmingham are studying how humans can live and operate on Mars, simulating conditions using a unique facility 1.1 km below the surface. The project aims to investigate biomedical procedures for treating tissue damage in space crews.
The Zhurong rover has provided direct in-situ evidence of ancient oceans in the northern plains of Mars, with sedimentary structures forming during the regression of a paleo-ocean. The discovery sheds new light on the early history of Mars and its habitability.
Researchers determined the Martian crust's global structure using seismic data from a massive marsquake. The crust averages 42-56 kilometers in thickness, with variations between the northern and southern hemispheres.
The Zhurong rover found evidence of liquid water on dune surfaces at low Martian latitudes, contradicting the widely held assumption that water can only exist in solid or gaseous forms. The discovery provides key observational proof and sheds light on the evolutionary history of Mars' climate.
Researchers used NASA InSight data to directly measure Mars' core properties, finding a completely liquid iron-alloy core with high percentages of sulfur and oxygen. This discovery provides new insights into Martian formation and geological differences between Earth and Mars, potentially impacting planetary habitability.
Researchers at the University of Bristol used NASA's InSight lander data to detect seismic waves traveling into Mars' core, revealing a denser and smaller core comprising iron and numerous other elements. The study found that the core's composition is distinct from Earth's, with a high fraction of light elements alloyed with iron.
The University of Texas at El Paso has joined a $2.5 million NASA-led project to develop 3D-printed rechargeable batteries using lunar and Martian regolith. Researchers will utilize additive manufacturing processes, such as material extrusion and vat photopolymerization, to produce shape-conformable batteries for space applications.
University of Arizona engineers create a communication network allowing robots to explore subsurface environments independently, deploying miniaturized sensors as they traverse caves. The 'breadcrumb-style' system enables swarms of individual robots to navigate convoluted environments without losing contact.
Researchers developed StarCrete, a cosmic concrete made from Martian dust, potato starch, and salt, which is twice as strong as regular concrete. The material's compressive strength reaches 72 MPa, making it suitable for space construction.
A recent experiment by UC Riverside astrophysicist Stephen Kane demonstrates that a terrestrial planet in this location would have disastrous effects on the solar system. The simulation found that such a planet could destabilize Earth's orbit, making it far less habitable and potentially ejecting Mercury and Venus from the solar system.
Researchers used AI to map sparse life hidden in salt domes, rocks, and crystals at Salar de Pajonales, a Martian analog. The study found that microbial life is concentrated in patchy biological hotspots linked to water availability, and AI can detect biosignatures up to 87.5% of the time.
University of Arizona engineers create autonomous vehicle system that allows robots to scout out underground habitats on other planets. The 'Breadcrumb-Style Dynamically Deployed Communication Network' paradigm enables robots to work together without human input, addressing NASA's space technology grand challenges.
Recent planetary missions have revealed significant advances in our understanding of Mercury's metal composition and magnetic field, as well as Venus' dense atmosphere and geological activity. On Mars, the InSight mission has detected marsquakes, suggesting a similar internal structure to Earth.
Researchers found microorganisms in Martian rocks that are difficult to detect with current instrumentation. The team suggests more powerful tools or bringing samples to Earth to conclusively address whether life existed on Mars. A European Mars rover expected to launch in 2028 will carry a drill capable of analyzing sediments deeper, ...
Researchers find that electrical discharge in Martian dust storms could be a major driving force of the planet's chlorine cycle. The study reveals high yields of chlorine gases from common chlorides when electrified by Martian conditions, indicating a promising pathway for converting surface chlorides to atmospheric phases.
The Zhurong rover has imaged shallow impact craters and buried impact crater walls in the top five meters of Mars' surface, revealing complex subsurface geology. Researchers found layers of sediment left by past flooding and deposition, but no evidence of water or ice in the present day.
A new study proposes focusing on time-resolved analogs to analyze changes in dynamic environments over many years. The researchers used the extremely salty Tirez lagoon in central Spain, which had experienced alternating dry and wet periods before reaching total desiccation in 2015.
Researchers studied Ingenuity's historic flights on Mars to calculate dust cloud size and mass. The results supported engineering models, paving the way for future extraterrestrial rotorcraft missions.
The MEDA instrument aboard the Perseverance rover has provided high-precision meteorological measurements of Mars' atmosphere, revealing seasonal and daily cycles as well as dynamic phenomena like dust devils. The analysis sheds light on the Martian climate and its potential for supporting life.
The Martian meteorite Tissint has revealed a rich inventory of organic compounds, offering insights into Mars' habitability. The study, published in Science Advances, discovered an unprecedented diversity of organic molecules, including magnesium compounds not previously seen on the planet.
A new type of optical manipulation has been developed, using laser light to pull macroscopic objects. The researchers designed a graphene-SiO composite structure specifically for laser pulling, which creates a reversed temperature difference when irradiated with a laser beam.
Researchers developed DeepLandforms, an open-source AI tool for mapping planetary surfaces, demonstrating its effectiveness in creating accurate geological maps on Mars. The tool's use of deep learning techniques enables fast and customizable mapping of planets, paving the way for future exploration and discovery.
Scientists at Washington University in St. Louis found that manganese oxides can be formed without atmospheric oxygen under Mars-like conditions. The study, published in Nature Geoscience, used kinetic modeling to show that halogens like chlorate and bromate can convert manganese into minerals thousands of times faster than by oxygen.
The largest earthquake on Mars, a 4.7 magnitude marsquake, revealed layers in the crust suggesting a massive meteoroid impact, with possible alternating volcanic and sedimentary rocks. This finding provides evidence for past collision events that shaped the planet.
Astronauts in space can lose up to 20% of muscle mass after two weeks due to microgravity. Researchers are exploring the use of extracellular vesicles, which contain restorative chemicals, to trigger post-exercise recovery without traditional exercise.
The Perseverance rover's microphone recorded a Martian dust devil, providing insight into the planet's atmosphere and weather. The discovery helps scientists understand the effects of wind on solar panels, potentially extending the lifespan of future Mars missions.
Researchers developed a new lidar technique using 3D flash lidar combined with super-resolution algorithm for hazard avoidance during landing. The technique improved the precision and safety of robotic vehicles on Mars, enabling them to navigate through challenging environments.
Researchers have developed an algorithm to detect pressure activity indicative of dust devils in the Mojave Desert, which can inform their formation and life cycles on Mars. The study aims to improve Martian weather models and enhance robotic missions.
Researchers from Brazil and UCLA used computational fluid dynamics/discrete element method to study barchan dune formation, shedding light on grain-scale dynamics. The study enables investigation of forces within dunes and grain motion, paving the way for predicting future dune fields on Earth and Mars.
Scientists from the University of Arizona have discovered a giant active mantle plume pushing the surface of Mars upward, causing earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. The finding suggests that Mars' deceptively quiet surface may hide a more tumultuous interior than previously thought.
A study published in the Astrophysical Journal reveals a strong correlation between cosmic ray counts and the solar cycle at Mars and Venus. The research found that cosmic rays are suppressed during peak solar activity, highlighting the importance of understanding these interactions for future robotic missions and human exploration.
A Martian megatsunami was likely triggered by an asteroid collision similar to the Chicxulub impact that led to mass extinctions on Earth. The crater formed as a result of this impact may have caused a tsunami that reached over 1,500 kilometres from the center, measuring up to 250 meters tall on land.
Researchers investigate Earth's oldest evidence of life in ancient stromatolites, while also studying strike-slip faulting and its connection to climate. Additionally, scientists explore the potential for finding life on Mars by analyzing rare earth elements and geological features.